HOME PROFILE: A charming home by the creek in Gloucester

Friday

Dec 15, 2017 at 1:37 PM

Built in 1948 (and nicely updated/renovated since then), this home is on a large spectacular corner lot in a beautifully woodsy area overlooking the creek and the tidal saltwater marsh. The house is sited to provide wonderful and ever changing marsh and woods views all year long.

By Barbara ForsterGateHouse Media

ADDRESS: 30 Sumner St., Gloucester

BEDROOMS: 2

BATHROOMS: 2 full

LIVING SPACE: 1,800 sq. ft.

PRICE: $475,000

Yes, "Location, location, location" is the real estate mantra but with this bungalow on Walker Creek the fact is that "charming, charming and charming" rules.

Built in 1948 (and nicely updated/renovated since then), this home is on a large spectacular corner lot in a beautifully woodsy area overlooking the creek and the tidal saltwater marsh. The house is sited to provide wonderful and ever changing marsh and woods views all year long. Let’s not forget that much of the surrounding property is conservation land.

Just as delightful inside

Hardwood flooring is a classic feature — it starts here and continues throughout — within the always practical vestibule that leads to a huge, front-to-back living room with a fireplace with original hangers (most likely), a brick surround and pretty mantel as well as a large picture window at one end. Bull’s eye trim on door and window casings are sweet period reminders while a narrow (but deep) closet is a practical one.

The adjacent super-sized sun room or an envy-generating office with a tile floor has a gigantic picture window looking out over the creek and woods. With windows lining two other walls this room enjoys an almost panoramic view of Mother Nature’s vibrant handiwork. At the same time, wide painted paneling on the walls plus the paneled ceiling give this large room a cozy vibe.

Gleaming hardwood flooring in the large dining room is easy to overlook given other delightful features such as wide painted wall paneling and the vaulted ceiling in one section. Of course, stunning sunsets and wonderful views that include the marsh and the oldest farm in Gloucester also compete for attention.

The kitchen is a beauty, too. In this oversized contemporary space, a large granite-topped island that has storage on both sides and stainless steel sink is "surrounded" by an abundance of cabinetry including a floor-to-ceiling pantry. The eat-in area — this seats six-plus comfortably — has a big bow window with a wide display ledge. Full glass pane sliders open to the wraparound deck.

Option for one-level living

Two sizable bedrooms — both have cross ventilation and hardwood floors — and good closet space make the option of single-floor living very doable. The shared bathroom, which is fully tiled and has a pedestal sink, is essentially a wet room. The shower has a hand-help spray and a "rain" shower head.

Another closet and two, flush-mount built-in cabinets are also in the "bedroom" hallway. As these rooms are at one end of the house, privacy is a non-issue.

And then …

Unexpected, big, beautiful and bright, the finished lower level is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. In addition to another large bow window, this level has a bump out along with windows on two sides. Tile flooring is a nod to practicality in this potential getaway for the younger set. On the other hand, making this a game room for all ages is certainly easy but then again this space could become an office — albeit one you might never want to leave.

Of course, transforming the entire level into a master suite is another option given the nearby full bathroom. This spacious room has a built-in cast-iron, tub/shower and a pedestal sink.

Regulation "basement" spaces/uses are carefully included, too. For example, one room great for storage has a walk-out to the yard. Laundry machines are in another room. A full work area and a wonderful oversized closet are also down here.

The even better news about this gem is that it has an excellent future: the house is Title 5 approved for four bedrooms.

Contact Jim Brown of J Barrett & Company at 978-810-1332 or 978-526-8555 or by email at: jbrown@jbarrettrealty.com.